youngster
UK: ˈjʌŋstə | US: ˈjʌŋstər
n. a young person, typically a child or adolescent
n. (informal) a young animal
The word "youngster" combines "young," derived from Old English geong (meaning "youthful"), with the suffix "-ster," originally an Old English agent noun suffix (-estre) denoting someone associated with a trait or role (e.g., "spinster"). Over time, "-ster" softened to describe individuals with a characteristic (here, youth). The term emerged in the 16th century, reflecting a playful or affectionate tone toward the young.
The park was full of youngsters playing soccer.
As a youngster, she dreamed of becoming an astronaut.
The veteran actor mentored several youngsters in the theater group.
The zoo’s newest attraction is a youngster born to the lioness last month.
He still remembers the books he loved as a youngster.